Life with a 2.5 Year Old

Can it really be true, we actually have a 2.5 year old!? Lately we hit a few milestones with Luke that really highlight how much of a big boy he is! In all honesty, I have gotten just a little bit sad to watch him become so independent but I know it's all part of raising kids. They are going to grow up and all we can do is be in each moment as best as we can.



Poo-Poo In the Potty*

Not fully potty trained, but getting good at staying dry almost all day at school and letting us know when he needs to go, even at houses other than our own. With this kid, candy as a bribery method doesn't really work so we have been using stickers and happy faces on his hands. He still has a little more to go before big boy underwear, but we've taken down the changing table and diaper set up in his room. I am so relieved to not change as many diapers, but I know I had better enjoy it while I can if we want more kiddos! ;0)

*We actually sing that on the way to the potty. It helps, I swear.

Big Boy Bed Time

Luckily, Luke has not once tried to climb out of his crib. He has been a great sleeper and really enjoyed his time alone in his crib. I know many parents who transition to a big bed far earlier than 2.5, but we really had no reason to. Nonni and Nonno got us a crib that could convert into a toddler/twin bed, but we failed to buy the converter kit along with it at the time (Kellie, I know you reminded me about that a long time again and I didn't listen!) and now it is discontinued. We figured the crib will still get other use, now going to our niece Emilie, so we got Luke a toddler bed from Ikea last weekend. At first, Luke picked out this "interesting" owl bedspread from Ikea and you should have seen my manipulation skills in action!





I just couldn't imagine that bedspread clashing in his blue primary colored room! Who's with me?! I had to do something and fast - so, I sneakily talked him into this cute white and bright colored car bedspread instead. Gino was laughing at my efforts to persuade him into the other bedspread and someday you may feel slighted Luke, but until then, I call the shots! =)





Say What!?

We've had a bit of a jabber mouth on our hands for some time now but things are really starting to get interesting and make us laugh. He's talking so well now and putting a lot of thoughts together, which is really fun. Here are a few of our favorites.

"No sun, go away. Mommy, the sun bit me." - Said in the car in the morning when the sun was bright and shining right in our eyes.

"I love Michael and Sully. Michael and Sully are my cousins." - Good to know he loves his cousins and Monsters Inc. of course.

"I a tiger. Mommy, you not a tiger." Me - "Oh, I am not? What am I?". Luke - "You a princess. You are Sofia." - Ok, I am officially wrapped around his finger. 

"There are monkeys at the zoo. The monkey has a boo-boo. He has a owie on his bottom. He needs a band aid." - Said when we were talking about what animals we would see at the Zoo.

Dear Jesus…

I almost always say a good night prayer in my mind when I lay down to go to bed. I don't really know when it started, but I can remember very far back saying prayers at night and feeling very comfortable with my own internal dialogue with Jesus and God. My household grew up Christian and we went to a handful of First Baptist Churches as kids. Luke will grow up with a Catholic foundation but no matter what formal religious affiliation we have, I want Luke to feel as comfortable with praying as I do so we have started to say our good night prayers together. He lies down, tries to close his eyes, and repeats a made up prayer after me but he always peeks through his squinted eyes and says the words with a big smile in a really soft voice…it melts my heart.

A Day in Napa

Well, I haven't blogged in a while, so how about some photos! We took a day trip to Ron and Roberta Sciandri's and I just love it there at their place in Napa. Their home is surrounded by natural beauty, grapes, a small lake for the dogs and kids, fantastic food, and of course great wine. Gino was there to chat about a retaining wall and I was there to chat about wedding invitations for an upcoming family wedding. =) Here are a few snapshots from Saturday. Enjoy.
Sciandri Family Vineyards

Table is set. 

Treasures all over the place.

Amazing views.





Handsome boy.






Luke the dog whisperer.

Ponzo's brother from another mother, Fudge! They had a blast in the lake.

Hi birdie!

Beef short ribs, mmmm... good.

Cousins.

Tired old buddies, Lola and Leroy.

End scene.

34 Forever: A Tribute to Christina

As I sit down to write this post I feel at a loss for words, but at the same time, I am filled with thoughts and words floating through my mind and heart. Today I simply went through the motions, fighting back the tears that kept trying to surface, and sometimes they just wouldn't go away. I picked up my sweet baby boy from daycare today and he gave me a long, comforting hug after running into my arms. It's like he knew just what I needed. I couldn't hold back my tears anymore, I was so thankful and blessed to have him in my arms. All I can think about is her family, her husband, and her sweet baby girl, otherwise known as "Madame". I have some guilt for feeling so sad and upset knowing that so many others so close to her are grieving so much more than I. I guess sometimes writing things out or doing something tangible is my way of working through my feelings, so forgive me if this post drags on. It's more for me than for anyone who might read it.

Yesterday, on her 34th birthday, the world lost a bright light. Christina Rosales (Pirruccello) was my friend, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a family member, and an all around passionate and kind person. We were co-workers at the Network for many years, but really we were friends. Everyone has a lot of co-workers throughout their careers, some friends, some acquaintances, some just co-workers. I can say with confidence that she was a friend to all of us, she wasn't just a co-worker.

At this moment, I would just like to say @*$# CANCER!!!

Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago in 2010. She fought courageously through it for one year, was back to work and her bubbly self the next year, and then it came back again most recently a few months ago. I don't know details of her feelings, joys, pains, and life through the last few months but I can only imagine. I wish nothing but love, security in knowing she is no longer in pain, and faith to her family.

As I am working through my emotions and feelings, it's so strange to have things like her Facebook page and pictures, her blog, her Pinterest boards, and our old email messages to look back on and browse through. It brings a smile to my face to read through the times where she was not in the throws of cancer and was back to her lively and energetic self. You can see it in her posts and pictures. The thing that makes me smile the most is her oozing love for Ella Mae. Christina was so proud to be the mother of that spunky, beautiful little girl and everyone knew it. When I was having our baby, Christina was always so kind and supportive of every stage of pregnancy and parenthood I went through. She once told me "Motherhood has changed my life in the best way". I agree Christina, it has for me also and thank you for sharing your experiences with me.

I left the Network about 7 months ago and I think the last time I saw Christina was on my last day of work. I spent some time walking around saying goodbye to everyone and I have a vivid memory of my conversation with her that day. Christina had spent many months getting back to who she felt like she was meant to be. She had energy, she was working out on lunch breaks, she was on top of her game with her job, she was living life and was so thankful! I went down to the 4th floor of the CDPH building to say my goodbyes and stopped by her cube. She was all dressed up, looking as lovely as ever. She had her short styled hair, a dress on with a cardigan, and a beautiful flower pinned to her chest. I think the flower was something a friend might have made. Christina was scheduled for an interview that day for a new position within the Network. As we were talking, she asked me if I thought the flower was too much? She said some people thought it might be too informal for an interview, maybe not professional enough. I gave her my opinion. I said, "No" I don't think it's too much, I think it's you. I think it shows your bubbly personality and spunk. She was so cute, she said something to the effect of, "I know, that's what I was thinking. I am proud of who I am and I think it shows all of me, not just a professional part of me". I ensured her that I thought it was fine to wear that flower with pride. I am not sure if I will ever know if she wore that flower or not, but I like to imagine she did.

There are so many parts to this story that are tragic. Anyone who is dealing with cancer themselves, or through a loved one, is dealing with their own set of tragedies. I hope, pray, and have faith that God has our plan and has his reasons for these tragedies. The fact remains that I am angry that some people choose to kill others or leave this world by their on hand. It's hard to accept because sweet deserving people like Christina, who are so thankful for every breath that they take, don't choose. They are given these tragedies. Ella Mae, in her all of almost three years of life, was given this tragedy. She has an amazing and loving family to help her through the years, but my heart will always ache for her and the memory of her mother.

With that said, Christina's family started a fund to help support Ella Mae and her future. I can't make any promises, but here goes. I want to help. I want to do something in memory of my friend and in support of her daughter's future. Tonight, in memory of our last conversation, that flower, her smile, her laughter, and her life, I pulled out my craft supplies and made something. I made a flower. I am going to wear that flower with pride. I am also going to sell these flowers and all the proceeds will go to Ella Mae. If you or anyone you know wants to buy a flower, email me and I will make you a flower and give the proceeds to Christina and Ryan's daughter Ella's education fund.
Since the birth of my son 17 months ago, a level of fear and worry has crept up inside of me. I am sometimes afraid of the future, afraid of tragedies, and flat out afraid of death. I have definitely been challenged lately to keep that fear away and have trust and faith. Maybe Christina was afraid of death, maybe she wasn't. I know deep down that she is in a place where she is pain free and can watch over her daughter and family with a smile.

May your soul rest in peace my friend, may you experience the joys of heaven, and may you be there in spirit for your daughter all the days of her life. You have touched the lives of so many, so many more than you will ever know.

You will always have a place in my heart friend.
Love, Sarah

Phone Calls Worth A Thousand Words

(Image courtesy of: Emily McCall)

It's 2010 and the communication capacity of social networking is far beyond what I could have imagined 10 years ago. In just this past year I have learned so much about social media, I have connected with a lot of people from my past, and I have been able to take advantage of social media to promote a creative outline of mine.

Almost my entire family, extended family, and extended in-law family members are on some form of the Internet. Because of this, I have so many easy ways to connect with them. Whether it is emailing my mother-in-law, connecting with my grandmothers on Facebook, keeping up with cousins in other cities, or receiving new pictures of my nephew on my Blackberry, I feel completely connected.

This brings me to my next though. Just as I see the value of receiving a letter or card in the mail, a phone call is just as important in these days of electronic communication. Often, a phone call gets put on the back burner or replaced with a text, email, or chat. Both forms (mail and phone calls) of "older" communication methods are sometimes forgotten. I am blessed to have my parents, my sister, and brothers in a 40 mile radius. Sometimes, I might take advantage of this close proximity and neglect to pick up the phone as often as I should.

I am deciding to make a conscious effort to pick up the phone and make some calls. I always feel good after I talk with someone I haven't talked to in a while and there is so much more that comes out of a phone conversation as opposed to a text, email, or chat. I want to get off the phone with my friends and family with a better sense of connection. I wouldn't really describe myself as a "phone" person and I am definitely not a "chatty" person as opposed to my husband, but I think it is worth the extra effort. So, friends and family, look forward to more phone calls from me and feel free to call me too! Even if I don't have anything important to say, I might just want to say "Hi"!

Who have you thought about calling lately but have put it off? We probably all think about someone or are thought about by someone more often than we know.

What are you waiting for, give them a call. I am sure they will love to hear your voice.